bwb_coverBirds, education, and cutting edge technology come together in the new book, “Birds Without Borders: Investigating Populations, Habitats and Conservation of Birds in the U.S. and Abroad.”

“’Birds Without Borders’ provides core content knowledge on how ecosystems function and why birds matter,” says Joseph Kerski, education manager for Esri. “The book also provides practical lesson plans, hands-on activities, and resources. The activities are rich, engaging, and meaningful. They make use of web-based mapping tools and mobile technologies that have become incredibly powerful and yet easy to use, but low-tech options are always included.”

Using bird observation data from a number of sources, the text guides teachers and students through specific investigations into questions concerning the habitat needs of nesting birds, modeling bird population trends, tracking birds with citizen science, and planning effective conservation strategies.

Using data sets, web-based mapping, and other tech tools, students are exposed to key concepts in science, as they build quantitative skills and engage in critical reading and writing while addressing real-world issues relevant to biology, environmental science, general science, and various elective courses.

“Birds Without Borders” is part of the Crossing Boundaries project, and is written by Nancy Trautmann, from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Jim MaKinster, from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, as well as the Crossing Boundaries team of education specialists, scientists, teachers and students. It is the first in a series of four Exploring Biodiversity Using Information Technologies Carte Diem Press books, and can be ordered in print or digital form at the Carte Diem Press online store.

Learn more and get free downloads of some of he lessons at Crossing Boundaries.